This workshop is designed as a policy dialogue on implications for capacity benchmarking, if South Asian countries are to move from science and technology policy to innovation policy with the specific goals of rural development.

Objectives:

1. To provide opportunities for dialogue and learning for planners and policy makers in developing countries in South Asia on how to strengthen innovation capacity in ways that address social, economic and sustainability agendas.

2. Benchmark national capacity to innovate so as to provide points of reference to help planners make judgements about progress in improving national and sectoral performance and help guide and monitor the impact of policy and institutional changes.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Organized by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, New Delhi

This international seminar aims to bring together scholars of the region to explore some of these ideas and initiate a debate on how we look at our respective countries and the region from the prism of conflict or cooperation in 2020. The goal is to exchange ideas and reflect on a collective future in which regional cooperation can resolve common problems and achieve common goals. The objective of the seminar is to chart out a path for mutual cooperation and let differences not hinder cooperation. The conference will reflect on some of these questions:

Can the countries of the region look forward to better political relations in 2020?

How will democratization impact civil society movements and enable greater people to people contact?

What will be the framework of cooperation to deal with non-state actors?

Will there be greater trade and investment from within the region?

What will be the role of external powers in the region?

How do countries of South Asia look at the future given the development in communication network, transnational security threats, environment challenges and problems of development in 2020?

Will the region be able to cope with issues food, water and energy security?

Will the countries and the region be able to deal with climate change?

Call for Papers

The Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, New Delhi, invites papers from scholars, academics, analysts and security experts on "South Asia 2020: Towards Cooperation or Conflict?". Scholars invited will be paid return economy class air fare from the country of their residence to New Delhi to participate in the conference. The organizers will take care of boarding, lodging and local hospitality during the period of this conference. Kindly send 500 words abstract on any issue delineated in the concept note. The deadline for submission of the abstract is July 31, 2009. For further information or clarification on this conference please contact the Conference Coordinator Dr Smruti S Pattanaik in her email address: smrutipattanaik[at]rediffmail.com

SummaryThe Science and Heritage Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to support outstanding early career researchers to carry out research and so establish an independent research career in heritage science.They duration of the Fellowship is equivalent to 3 years full-time and they are open to researchers with no more than 5 years post-doctoral or equivalent experience.The funding will cover Fellow’s salary and a small amount of travel and subsistence, equipment and consumables.Closing Date:10/09/2009 [4pm Thursday 10th September 2009]How to make an applicationIn order to apply to the Science and Heritage Post-doctoral Fellowships competition, you should complete a proposal and submit this electronically through the Je-S system, along with a Case for Support and relevant appendices. Further InformationAHRC is administering this call on behalf of AHRC and EPSRC. Please ensure that you have read the Details of the Call and the Specification document carefully before making your application.

The main focus of the 3-day National Convention is to discuss strategies and pathways for moving towards inclusive growth during the XI Plan at state as well as sectoral levels. The macro level strategy, as envisaged in the XI Plan, consists of centrality of agriculture growth, environmental sustainability and increased thrust on workforce diversification. This calls for: (a) realigning the sectoral priorities in favour of agriculture and labour intensive industries; and (b) allocation of funds by the centre and the states and effective management of programmes and schemes through improved governance at various levels. All these, essentially, would hinge on willingness as well as preparedness on part of the state Governments to work out actionable plans that may feed into a larger and cohesive scenario of inclusive growth. This is complex as the state level strategies are poised for dual roles of addressing not only state specific issues and goals, but also that of contributing towards sustaining the momentum of overall growth at the macro level. How far the state Governments, operating under a fairly diverse socio-economic and political milieu share the larger goal at the national level, how consistent are the policy initiatives of states, and what kind of specific constraints are being faced by them under the present system of federal finance? These are some of the larger issues that need careful attention for creating appropriate environment and a larger picture of inclusive growth envisaged in the XI Plan. While there is a fair amount of consensus on the fact that economic growth has failed to be (sufficiently) inclusive, particularly in post-liberalisation phase, what is however, less clear is the operational definition of inclusive growth; the measures thereof; the diagnosis and the solutions or new pathways for achieving such growth.

Given this backdrop, the National Convention will deliberate on the state as well as sector specific issues. The Convention will consist of state specific panels to discuss strategies of states for achieving inclusive growth and thematic sessions. The themes will include the following: i) Sustainable Growth in Agriculture: Challenges and Alternative Perspectives; ii) Employment Scenario and Right to Work and iii) Effective Governance. The thematic sessions will consist of about 8-10 papers in each of the three themes. Papers are invited for the thematic sessions and state level analysis will be given the preference. Those who wish to contribute papers for the Convention should submit an abstract by June 30, 2009. The abstract should not be more than 300 words and should include title of the paper, name/s, email address, and institutional affiliation/s of the authors. Authors of the selected abstracts will be informed by July 15, for submission of the full papers (up to 12000 words). Full papers should be sent before September 15th. These papers will be reviewed and decision about acceptance of papers for presentation in the National Convention will be communicated to authors by September 30, 2009. Authors of the selected papers will be provided with travel support (II AC Sleeper) and also local hospitality during the Convention.

For further details and information about the structure and themes of the Convention please visit the institute's website www.gidr.ac.in or write to the Conveners: Dr. Jharna Pathak jharna[at]gidr.ac.in; Professor. Amita Shah amitagidr[at]gmail.com Telephone Nos.: 02717-242366/7, Fax: 02717242365.

The South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) is a regional network that brings together and strengthens South Asian researchers and institutions interested in the inter-connections between development and the environment. SANDEE is currently inviting research pre-proposals on the Economics of Climate Change. Pre-proposals, if accepted, will lead to an invitation to submit a full research proposal. Human activity is altering the earth's climate with serious implications for food security, health, biodiversity and natural disasters. South Asian countries will need to respond with strategies to both mitigate green house gases and adapt to climate change. SANDEE would like to increase its support for research on the economics of climate change.We are soliciting concept notes on the following topics: a) The benefits, costs and distributional impacts of specific adaptation or mitigation strategies. b) Economy wide impacts of climate change policies through the use of macro-economic models. c) Incentives related to international climate mitigation/adaptation instruments and climate negotiations.d) Economic analyses of local and regional climate problems such as haze and black carbon and strategies to mitigate these. e) Extreme events and the economic viability of 'adaptation instruments' such as insurance, improved natural barriers or institutional responses.SANDEE supports economics research related to environmental problems. Pre-proposals that do not have a strong economics component will not be considered. However, multi-disciplinary projects are encouraged. Institutional affiliation is required for receiving support. Pre-proposals will be evaluated on their academic merit and policy significance.SANDEE will collect proposals throughout the next 12 months. However, in order to be considered for our next research competition, please send concept notes by June 30th 2009. Grant requests can range from 15 to 30,000 USD for one to two year grants, but larger proposals need to include teams of natural and social scientists. Concept notes can be uploaded on the SANDEE website at www.sandeeonline.com. Please contact at application[at]sandeeonline.com if you have additional queries.

This Doctoral research investigated selected themes from the general research question “What are the impacts of past experiences and present developments on power supply systems on small islands in developing countries utilizing renewable energy and how to improve the situation?” It focussed particularly on techno-economic aspects and attempted to investigate the state-of-the-art in several aspects of technology, tools and practices for island electrification. It also documented good practice cases concerning technology as well as sustainability. The research developed a generic type methodology for small island electrification with renewable energy and validated it in a real small island in India. It also investigated the impacts of existing island electrification projects on the local society.

The research had a combination of detailed literature review, survey, analysis of real power plant performance, extensive field works in islands, interviews with several authorities, experts, consumers and stakeholders and rigorous computer based energy modelling and simulation exercises. The theoretical, analytical and practical works were documented in six chapters of the thesis to give shape a compendium of discussions on interdisciplinary themes related to island electrification with renewable energy.

The study showed that with appropriate renewable energy technology, organisation and tariff structure the existing projects in the island clusters of Sundarbans in India are creating positive impacts on the islands’ society.

The detailed case study was performed for two villages, with a total load of about 98 kW peak and 670 kWh per day, in Bali Island in Sundarbans region in India. In this task, the time series modelling was conducted for power generation via Solar Photovoltaic and Biomass energy technologies. Two optimisation tools, HOMER for power generation and ViPOR for distribution layout, were used in this work and special biomass gasification modules had been developed in HOMER environment. Simulation, optimization and sensitivity analyses had been performed for designing rudimentary power systems. Time and cost saving approach was developed by integrating HOMER-ViPOR combination with remote sensing and Geographical Information System techniques. Easily available high resolution satellite data were used for preparing suitable inputs accounting for the effect of the spatial features in the distribution layout optimisation tasks.

The research was concluded with optimistic note that many small islands in developing countries through out the world are holding opportunities for greater deployment of renewable energy based electrification in the near future.

Friday, June 5, 2009

International Forum for Democratic Studies, National Endowment for Democracy, USA

Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows ProgramNamed in honor of NED’s principal founders, former president Ronald Reagan and the late congressman Dante Fascell, the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program was established in 2001 with funding from the U.S. Congress to enable democratic activists, practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world to deepen their understand­ing of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change. Fellows are in residence at the Forum and participate in the collegial life of the Endowment and in the many opportunities for professional exchange in Washington, D.C.The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program is intended primarily for practitioners and scholars from emerging and aspiring democracies. Distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies are also eligible to apply. The program offers five-month fellowships for practitioners to improve strategies and techniques for building democ­racy abroad and five- to ten-month fellowships for scholars to conduct original re­search for publica­tion. While the two tracks share many common elements, they have different eligibility requirements and distinct goals, activities, and products associated with them.The Practitioner TrackThe Reagan-Fascell program was established with the primary purpose of supporting democracy activists, human rights advocates, journalists, and others who work on the frontlines of building democracy in emerging and aspiring democracies. The program provides practitioners with a needed break from their daily routine so that they may reflect on their work, learn from counterparts in the United States, and reevaluate techniques for building democracy in their country of origin. Eligibility: Applicants interested in the practitioner track are expected to have substantial practical experience working to promote democracy or human rights in their country of origin or interest. There are no specific degree requirements for the practitioner track. A Ph.D., for instance, is not required of practitioner applicants. While there are also no age limits, applicants on the practitioner track are typically mid-career professionals with several years of professional experience in the field of democracy and human rights. Examples of eligible candidates for the practitioner track include human rights advocates, political party activists, professional staff of civic or humanitarian organizations, international lawyers, journalists, labor leaders, politicians, and diplomats.Practitioner fellowships are typically five months in duration and culminate in a strategic policy memorandum, short article or op-ed, as well as a formal presentation of the fellow’s analysis and ideas.

The Scholarly TrackIn recognition of the importance of intellectual contributions to the theory and practice of democracy, the Reagan-Fascell program offers a scholarly track for scholars, professors, and established writers. Applicants for this track may be scholars from emerging and aspiring democracies or accomplished scholars from the United States and other established democracies. Eligibility: Applicants interested in the scholarly track are expected to possess a doctorate (a Ph.D., or academic equivalent) at the time of application, to have published in their field of expertise, and to have developed a detailed research outline for their fellowship project. Examples of eligible candidates for the scholarly track include college and university professors, analysts at research centers and “think tanks,” and independent writers. Occasionally, a professional who is planning to write a book or other scholarly publication may qualify to apply on the scholarly track.Scholarly track fellowships are typically five months in duration (when appropriate, a small number of scholarly fellowships may be granted for ten-month periods). Fellows on this track make at least one public presentation of their work and complete a substantial piece of writing (typically an article or book) for publication.Download Information Booklet and Application GuidelinesApplication Deadline: November 9, 2009

Thursday, June 4, 2009

EvalueServe Study on R&D Ecosystem in India: A Report commissioned by the British High Commission and the Canadian High Commission, New Delhi. October 2008.

The S&T/Trade Divisions of the Canadian and UK High Commissions contracted Evalueserve last Spring to produce such a study with a view to providing a snapshot of the Indian R&D ecosystem to the many stakeholders that are interested in pursuing collaboration with India. The result was a 145-page document entitled "Study on R&D Ecosystem in India."

Following is an excerpt from the Executive Summary:

Driven by rural outputs and low-income, India is the fourth largest economy in the world. The Formal sectors employ 11 percent of the total workforce, with the rest being occupied in the informal sector, and the bulk of self-employment existing in low-productivity subsistence agriculture and services sectors. Since average enterprise productivity in formal sectors is 23 times higher than in agriculture, India can leverage the potential in more productive industry segments by strengthening and expanding the support system for technology at the cluster level.

India’s strength lies in its dynamic population, more than half of which is under 25 years of age. Although only 17 percent of people in their mid-20s and older have a secondary education, more aggressive education campaigns can help solve this problem.

The growth in R&D, in India, has been led by the increasing demand for low-cost products supported by rising income levels. This has been limited to a small segment of the economy, though there have been innovations in both the formal and informal sectors. In the 11th Five Year Plan, the government of India has envisaged to increase the country’s R&D spends from less than 1 percent to 2 percent by 2012. This move will put India in league with the developed countries that spend 2.5 percent of their GDP on R&D on an average.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Are you at the beginning of your research career - with the potential to be world-class? Is your research in the natural or social sciences, engineering or humanities? Do you want to build and maintain links with leading researchers in the UK? Then apply now for a Newton International Fellowship.

The Newton International Fellowship scheme will select the very best early stage post-doctoral researchers from all over the world, and offer support for two years at UK research institutions.The long-term aim of the scheme is to build a global pool of research leaders and encourage long-term international collaboration with the UK.

The Newton International Fellowships scheme is run by The British Academy, The Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society.The Fellowships cover the broad range of natural and social sciences, engineering and the humanities.

They provide grants of £24,000 per annum to cover subsistence and £8,000 to cover research expenses, plus a one-off relocation allowance of £2,000. As part of the scheme, all Newton Fellows who remain in research will be granted a 10 year follow-up funding package worth £6,000 per annum.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Human Development Initiative (APRI) FellowshipsThe UNDP Asia-Pacific Regional Human Development Initiative (APRI) announces the opening of two types of Human Development fellowships for citizens of the Asia-Pacific countries.

Theme: Climate Change and Human DevelopmentHuman Development Academic FellowshipsThe aim of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Academic Fellowships for Asia and Pacific is to analyse issues from the human development perspective, with a focus on fostering creative thinking and innovative research on the subject among young people. The research must focus on a well-defined aspect of human development, could be theoretical, applied, policy-oriented or a combination and must amount to a substantive contribution to human development thinking relevant for the region.The Fellowship is intended for young Ph.D. students who are at an advanced dissertation stage working on a topic related to human development – theoretical, applied or policy oriented. Download Brochure of Academic Fellowship 2009Human Development Media FellowshipsThe aim of the UNDP Human Development Fellowships for Asia Pacific (Media) is to encourage dissemination and advocacy on issues of concern to countries of the Asia Pacific region from a human development perspective. The fellowship was developed based on the premise that stronger media coverage of human development could promote focus on critical development concerns. The fellowship is intended to support mid-career media professionals to communicate human development themes in mainstream media.Download Brochure of Media Fellowship 2009